Ilsa Madden-Mills

This book is one that I absolutely loved because while it had a few sad moments overall it was sweet, funny, and I was genuinely happy from start to end. It had me smiling from start to finish then I was craving more from these characters. Ronan and Nova have this banter that is entirely amusing they could be arguing one second then laughing at each other the next. Nova really kept him on his toes because she was random, funny, yet the sweetest person ever. Ronan is this athletic nerd who show more retires from the NFL to coach high school and while he can come across as broody there are times we get to see this amazing person on the inside that is hiding behind his walls craving to be loved again. While these two have a rocky start they end up becoming close and when their chemistry ignites there is this fear that always holds Ronan back. I don’t want to give too much away but this story really has it all from tragedy, laughter, great side characters in the kids and Tuck, nosy Southerners, and some bless your heart moments. Ronan and Nova stole my heart because they both were amazing individuals, but together they were perfection. show less

As far as novellas go, this was the perfect taste of things to come. I honestly think this is one of those stories that had I not read first, I would have read Very Wicked Things VERY differently. There were clues throughout, you just had to follow the breadcrumbs. And even knowing the eventual outcome did nothing to lessen the journey. A journey paved with young love, heartbreak, misguided and often misconstrued feelings, but mostly two souls recognizing their counterparts. It was show more delicious, and the perfect morsel to get the engine revved for the rest of Cuba and Dovey's journey, of which you will NOT want to miss! show less

Fun, festive, short and sexy
5 stars

An enemies-to-lovers, stranded in a snowy cabin, Christmas quickie written by Ilsa Madden-Mills? Yes, to all those things! Gimme!

This is a short story - roughly 150 pages long - about Iris, a pretty and sassy boot designer, and Kyler, a hot-shot hockey player whose nickname is ‘The Beast’ - and what happens when they’re snowed in together in a cabin in the mountains. They don’t technically know each other prior to the events in the book but they show more definitely know of each other - and don’t like what the other represents.

But we all know that people who dislike each other are secretly hot for each other. Well, in romance novels, anyway. And that’s definitely the case with Iris and Kyler. The cabin’s a small space, Kyler doesn’t have many clothes with him (oh what a tragedy!) so Iris gets more than an eyeful and likes what she sees. So does Kyler. So we have mutual bickering and mutual lust! Yay!

As the two spend time together in the cabin - bickering and sniping at each other - they get to know each other. We’re also privy to some background information about our pair that make them really likeable and relatable. While Iris has her heartbreak, it’s Kyler’s backstory that killed me. It’s so sad and I just wanted to hug the guy. Big, burly guys with soft, squishy centres are definitely my catnip.

They start to like each other but the spark still remains and we get some seriously sexy times for a short book. But it felt real and not rushed - emotionally so. I believed them and was cheering for them to get their stuff together!

This is Ilsa Madden-Mills so of course the writing is exemplary. I felt this was slightly different to all the other stories of hers I’ve read - slightly lighter and sweeter - but it still had all the hallmarks of her style. I blasted through this story and it really gave me the Christmassy vibe that I crave in festive romances.

I seriously hope this is the start of a new series as I’m hankering to see Will - and also The Wizard - find their matches. I would also love to see Kyler and Iris in the future - still hopefully bickering away at each other. But as for this story, it was short, sweet, sexy and deliciously festive. 5 stars. show less

This was one heck of a ride! Emmaline Darling, a book lover bouncing back from a messy breakup, ends up in a desert motel seeking peace. Out of the blue, she takes off in football star Graham Harlan's flashy Lamborghini to escape her ex. Graham, dealing with the aftermath of a near-death experience on the football field, tracks her down and drops the bomb – let's get hitched for a family inheritance. Madden-Mills weaves a story that's not just your typical romance. It's packed with laughs, show more sizzling chemistry, and emotional punches. Emmaline and Graham's fake relationship? It's anything but fake as it blossoms into something real. The book dives deep into family, love, and personal growth, giving us a rollercoaster of feelings. This isn't just a read; it's an experience that'll have you hooked and rooting for these characters. show less